She was the first American singer to record at Abbey Road Studios in England. Her fan base even included Asia and the Philippines. She had 7 top hits, including "Why Don't You Believe in Me?", "Your Cheating Heart," "Almost Always," and "Have You Heard?"
She married composer Tony Acquaviva in 1956. In 1964, she dropped out of the public eye to take care of him and did so until 1986, when Mr. Acquaviva passed away. She began to tour again in the 1990's. She was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On the Sunny Side of the Street
Joni James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I had nothing but shadows
Then one morning you passed
And I brightened at last
Now I greet the day and complete the day
With the sun in my heart
All my worry blew away
When you taught me how to say
Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But I'm not afraid
This Rover crossed over
If I never have a cent
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street
Grab your street
The lyrics of Joni James's "On the Sunny Side of the Street" describe a significant change in the singer's outlook towards life. She had previously been lonely and in the shadows, but everything changed when she saw a certain someone. From that moment on, the singer had the sun in her heart and was able to complete each day. She no longer worried about things and was taught how to see life through a positive perspective.
The song then goes on to encourage listeners to follow suit by leaving their worries at the door, and walking on the sunny side of the street. The pitter-pat of their feet on the pavement and a happy tune in the air would be all they needed to enjoy the sweetness of life, even if they were penniless.
Interestingly, while the sunshine and happy tune in the song might give it a cheerful vibe, the lyrics also allude to life's darker moments. The mention of shadows, the blues on parade, and being worried, suggest that the singer had been through difficult times before. However, the song advocates leaving all that negativity behind and focusing on the good in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I lived a lonely life and had no one to talk to
And I had nothing but shadows
I was surrounded by darkness and despair
Then one morning you passed
One day, you came into my life
And I brightened at last
You brought light and happiness to my life
Now I greet the day and complete the day
You've made me appreciate my days and enjoy them fully
With the sun in my heart
I now have a positive outlook on life
All my worry blew away
My worries disappeared thanks to you
When you taught me how to say
You've taught me how to be happy and carefree
Grab your coat and get your hat
Get ready to go out and enjoy the day
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Don't bring your worries with you, leave them behind
Just direct your feet
Put one foot in front of the other and keep going
To the sunny side of the street
Head towards the bright and positive side of life
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Can't you feel your heart beating with happiness?
And that happy tune is your step
You're so happy that you're walking to the beat of a tune
Life can be so sweet
Life is wonderful and full of possibilities
On the sunny side of the street
When you focus on the positive, life is good
I used to walk in the shade
I used to live in darkness and sadness
With those blues on parade
My sadness was on full display
But I'm not afraid
I'm not scared anymore, thanks to you
This Rover crossed over
I've finally found my way to the bright side of life
If I never have a cent
Even if I have no money
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I'd still feel wealthy and happy
Gold dust at my feet
I'm surrounded by abundance and happiness
On the sunny side of the street
I've found a wonderful place in life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind